The Royal Caribbean Group-owned line also announced ocean scientist Dr Maria Josefina Olascoaga as Silver Ray’s godmother.

Silver Ray is the second in the line’s Nova class of ships after Silver Nova, which launched in summer 2023. These vessels are now Silversea’s largest ships with a capacity of 728 passengers, as well as featuring its most eco-friendly design. 

Dr Olascoaga is a professor of ocean science at the University of Miami, as well as co-leading the OceanScope programme, which provides Royal Caribbean Group’s ships with oceanographic instruments to monitor the “vital signs” of the oceans.

The naming and launching of Silver Ray also comes as Silversea celebrates its 30^th anniversary during 2024 – the line’s first ship Silver Cloud made its debut in 1994.

Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, said: “Welcoming Silver Ray to our global fleet represents the latest commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to continue building the Silversea brand and delivering the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel.”

Silver Ray features an asymmetrical design with 4,000sqm of exterior glass and - like its sister ship Silver Nova - is being billed as one of the most energy-efficient luxury cruise ships ever built.

The new ship is due to start its maiden voyage from Lisbon on Saturday (15 June) before spending its inaugural season sailing around the Mediterranean. Silver Ray is then due to cross the Atlantic to the Americas in December.

Bert Hernandez, Silversea’s president, added: “It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray’s naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation.

“I am incredibly grateful to all involved, most notably to Captain Zanello and his crew who will bring this ship to life, and I proudly welcome Dr María Josefina Olascoaga to the family as Silver Ray’s godmother."